Camera with curved electromagnetic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a camera with a curved electromagnetic device. Various embodiments include a camera system that includes one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators, the one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators having curved electromagnetic devices. In various embodiments, the VCM actuator may include an optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator configured to tilt / rotate the lens group along with the image sensor about a plurality of axes orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera system. Additionally or alternatively, the VCM actuator may include a [theta]-Z corrective VCM actuator configured to rotate the lens group along with the image sensor about an axis parallel to the optical axis. The OIS VCM actuator and / or the [theta]-Z correction VCM actuator may have a curved electromagnetic device.

Description

Background Art Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a camera including one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators having flexural electromagnetic devices.

[0002] Related technical description

[0003] The advent of small mobile multi-purpose devices such as smart phones and tablet or slate devices has led to a need for high-resolution small form factor cameras to be integrated into the devices. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate an optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanism that can sense and react to external stimuli / disturbances by adjusting the position of the optical lens on the X-axis and / or Y-axis in an attempt to compensate for unwanted motion of the lens. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate an autofocus (AF) mechanism by which the object focus can be adjusted so that the object plane in front of the camera is focused at the image plane captured by the image sensor. In some such autofocus mechanisms, the optical lens is moved as a single rigid body along the optical axis of the camera to refocus the camera. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1A to Figure 1B Illustrated is a diagram of an example camera system that may include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators with bending electromagnetics, according to some embodiments. Figure 1A An exploded perspective view of the camera system is shown. Figure 1B A collapsed perspective view of the camera system is shown.

[0005] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Illustrated is a diagram of an example VCM actuator arrangement 200 with bending electromagnetics that may be included in a camera system according to some embodiments. Figure 2A A perspective view of a VCM actuator arrangement is shown. Figure 2B A perspective view of a VCM actuator arrangement including an optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator is shown. Figure 2C A schematic side view of an example aspect of electromagnetic interaction between an OIS drive magnet and an OIS drive coil of an OIS VCM actuator is shown. Figure 2D A perspective view of a VCM actuator arrangement including a θ-Z correction VCM actuator is shown. Figure 2E Schematic side view showing example aspects of electromagnetic interaction between the θ-Z magnets and θ-Z coils of a θ-Z corrective VCM actuator.

[0006] Figure 3 Example graphs are illustrated according to some embodiments and indicate example differences in Lorentz travel versus travel between a bent electromagnetic device and a non-bent electromagnetic device.

[0007] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B Illustrated are graphs indicating example differences between non-bent electromagnetic devices and bent electromagnetic devices with respect to consistency of distance across a range of travel, according to some embodiments. Figure 4A A schematic side cross-sectional view of an example non-bent electromagnetic device is shown. Figure 4B A schematic side cross-sectional view of an example curved electromagnetic device is shown.

[0008] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Illustrated is a diagram of a set of example bending electromagnetic devices 500 that may be included in a camera system according to some embodiments. Figure 5A A side view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices is shown. Figure 5B A side cross-sectional view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices is shown. Figure 5C A perspective view of a bending magnet of the set of bending electromagnetic devices is shown.

[0009] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C Illustrated are views of another set of example bending electromagnetic devices that may be included in a camera system according to some embodiments. Fig. 6A A side view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices is shown.

[0010] Figure 6B A side cross-sectional view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices is shown. Figure 6C A perspective view of a bending magnet of the set of bending electromagnetic devices is shown.

[0011] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C Illustrated are views of yet another set of example bending electromagnetic devices that may be included in a camera system according to some embodiments. Fig. 7A A side view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices is shown.

[0012] Figure 7B A side cross-sectional view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices is shown. Figure 7C A perspective view of the bent / stacked coils of the set of bent electromagnetic devices is shown.

[0013] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D Illustrated are views of another set of example bending electromagnetic devices that may be included in a camera system according to some embodiments. Fig. 8A A side view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices is shown.

[0014] Figure 8B A side cross-sectional view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices is shown. Figure 8C A perspective view of the bent / stacked coils of the set of bent electromagnetic devices is shown. Fig.8D A top view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices is shown.

[0015] 9A to 9CIllustrated are views of yet another set of example bending electromagnetic devices that may be included in a camera system according to some embodiments. Fig. 9A A side view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices is shown.

[0016] Fig. 9B A side cross-sectional view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices is shown. Fig. 9C A perspective view of a bent magnet stack of the set of bent electromagnetic devices is shown.

[0017] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B Illustrated are views of yet another set of example bending electromagnetic devices that may be included in a camera system according to some embodiments. Fig. 10A A top view of the set of bending electromagnetic devices as used in a camera system for θ-Z correction / compensation is shown. Fig. 10B A perspective view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices is shown.

[0018] Fig.11 A schematic representation of an example environment that may include a device having a camera system with a bending electromagnetic device is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments.

[0019] Fig.12 A schematic block diagram of an example environment that may include a computer system with a camera system having a bending electromagnetic device is illustrated according to some embodiments.

[0020] This specification includes references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment." The appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with the present disclosure.

[0021] The term "comprising" is open ended. As used in the appended claims, the term does not exclude additional structures or steps. Consider the following cited claim: "an apparatus comprising one or more processor units..." Such a claim does not exclude the apparatus from including additional components (e.g., a network interface unit, a graphics circuit, etc.).

[0022] "Configured to", various units, circuits or other components may be described or described as "configured to" perform one or more tasks. In such contexts, "configured to" is used to imply a structure (e.g., a circuit) that performs the one or more tasks during operation by indicating that the unit / circuit / component includes the structure. In this way, the unit / circuit / component is said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified unit / circuit / component is currently inoperable (e.g., not turned on). The units / circuits / components used with the "configured to" language include hardware-such as circuits, memories storing executable program instructions to implement operations, etc. Reference to a unit / circuit / component "configured to" perform one or more tasks is explicitly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112 (f) for the unit / circuit / component. In addition, "configured to" may include a general structure (e.g., a general circuit) manipulated by software and / or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general processor executing software) to operate in a manner capable of performing one or more tasks to be solved. "Configured to" may also include adapting a manufacturing process (eg, a semiconductor fabrication facility) to produce a device (eg, an integrated circuit) suitable for implementing or performing one or more tasks.

[0023] "First," "second," etc. As used herein, these terms act as labels for the nouns that precede them, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuit may be described herein as performing a write operation of a "first" value and a "second" value. The terms "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that the first value must be written before the second value.

[0024] "Based on". As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that influence a determination. This term does not exclude additional factors that influence a determination. That is, a determination may be based solely on these factors or at least in part on these factors. Consider the phrase "A is determined based on B". In this case, B is a factor that influences the determination of A, and such a phrase does not exclude that the determination of A may also be based on C. In other examples, A may be determined based solely on B.

[0025] It will also be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the expected scope, the first contact may be referred to as the second contact, and similarly, the second contact may be referred to as the first contact. Both the first contact and the second contact are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0026] The terms used in the description herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms of "one", "a kind of" and "the" are intended to also cover the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more items in the items listed in association. It will also be understood that the terms "including" and / or "comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their grouping.

[0027] As used herein, the term "if" may be interpreted to mean "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined that" or "if [a stated condition or event] is detected" may be interpreted to mean "upon determining that" or "in response to determining that" or "upon detecting [a stated condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [a stated condition or event]," depending on the context. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Various embodiments include a camera system including one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators having bending electromagnetic devices. In various embodiments, the VCM actuator may include an optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator configured to tilt / rotate a lens group together with an image sensor around multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera system. Additionally or alternatively, the VCM actuator may include a θ-Z correction VCM actuator configured to rotate the lens group together with the image sensor around an axis parallel to the optical axis. The OIS VCM actuator and / or the θ-Z correction VCM actuator may have bending electromagnetic devices.

[0029] In various camera applications (e.g., smartphone cameras), improved optical performance is sought in increasingly compact devices. Conventional OIS actuators may be configured to tilt or translate the lens relative to the image sensor to prevent optical distortion and produce a stable image in the presence of interference. Gimbal tilt actuators (which may be configured to tilt / rotate the lens group and image sensor as a pair) allow greater OIS compensation by facilitating greater tilt angles relative to the lens shift architecture, thus improving camera tilt OIS performance and reducing blurry images.

[0030] Various embodiments disclosed herein include electromagnetic architectures with curved magnet and coil geometries to enable gimbal-type VCM actuators to achieve longer travel, improved linearity in travel, and increased power efficiency in a compact package. The curved electromagnetic components can produce a more uniform Lorentz force output throughout the rotation within the range of travel. In addition, the curved electromagnetic device can allow for a larger module tilt angle. The increase in gimbal tilt can allow for a larger OIS compensation angle to capture higher quality stabilized images and videos without introducing blurry pixels in the corners of the image.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the camera system may include a lens group, an image sensor, and one or more VCM actuators for rotating at least one of the lens group or the image sensor. The VCM actuator may include one or more magnet-coil groups, and the one or more magnet-coil groups have a curved electromagnetic device. For example, the magnet-coil group may include one or more magnets and one or more coils. The magnet may form a first curvature of the curved electromagnetic device. The coil may form a second curvature of the curved electromagnetic device. In the magnet-coil group, the coil may be positioned close to the magnet so that when driven by an electric current, the coil can interact with the magnet electromagnetically to generate a Lorentz force that rotates at least one of the lens group or the image sensor.

[0032] According to various embodiments, one of the first curvature (of the magnet) and the second curvature (of the coil) is convex, and the other of the first curvature and the second curvature is concave. As a non-limiting example, the magnet may include a concave side with a first curvature, and the coil may include a convex side with a second curvature. The concave side of the magnet may face the convex side of the coil. As another non-limiting example, the magnet may include a convex side with a first curvature, and the coil may include a concave side with a second curvature. The convex side of the magnet may face the concave side of the coil. In various embodiments, the first curvature may outline a first arc, and the second curvature may outline a second arc concentric with the first arc.

[0033] In some embodiments, the magnets in the magnet-coil assembly may include a plurality of magnets arranged in a curved magnet stack to form a first curvature. Additionally or alternatively, the coils in the magnet-coil assembly may include stacked coils having strands stacked to form a second curvature.

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description that follows, numerous specific details are given in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks are not described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the embodiments.

[0035] Figure 1A to Figure 1B Illustrated is a diagram of an example camera system 100 that may include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators with bending electromagnetics, according to some embodiments. Figure 1A An exploded perspective view of camera system 100 is shown. Figure 1B A collapsed perspective view of camera system 100 is shown.

[0036] According to various embodiments, camera system 100 may include lens group 102, image sensor 104, and / or one or more actuators. For example, the actuator may include an autofocus (AF) actuator and / or an optical image stabilization (OIS) actuator. In some embodiments, the AF actuator may be configured to move lens group 102 and / or image sensor 104 in a direction parallel to optical axis 106 of camera system 100. Figure 1A As indicated, camera system 100 can include AF module 108, which can include an AF actuator that moves lens group 102 relative to image sensor 104 in a direction parallel to optical axis 106. In some implementations, AF module 108 can include module shield 110 that can enclose at least a portion of AF module 108.

[0037] In various embodiments, the actuator may include an OIS voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. For example, an OIS VCM actuator may include one or more OIS drive coils 112 and one or more OIS drive magnets 114. FIG. 2A to FIG. 9C As discussed in further detail, the OIS VCM actuator may have curved electromagnetic devices. In some non-limiting embodiments, the OIS drive magnet 114 may have a curved surface (and / or otherwise implement a curved electromagnetic interface with the OIS drive coil 112), and the OIS drive coil 112 may have a curved surface (and / or otherwise implement a curved electromagnetic interface with the OIS drive magnet 114).

[0038] In various embodiments, the camera system 100 may include a spacer 116 (which may also be referred to herein as a "coil holder" because it may include a coil holder portion 118, such as Figure 1A), base 120, and / or shield 122. In some embodiments, the OIS drive magnet 112 can be fixedly coupled to the AF module 108. For example, in some embodiments, the OIS drive magnet 112 can be attached to each side of the module shield 110. The OIS drive coil 114 can be fixedly coupled to one or more stationary structures of the camera system 100. For example, in some embodiments, the spacer 116 can be coupled to the shield 122 and / or base 120, and the OIS drive coil 114 can be attached to the spacer 116. Although some non-limiting examples of magnets and coils described herein may indicate that the magnet is movable and the coil is fixed (relative to the magnet), it should be understood that in various embodiments, the coil can be movable and the magnet can be fixed.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the respective OIS drive coils 114 may be positioned close to the respective OIS drive magnets 112 so that when driven with an electric current, the respective OIS drive coils 114 can electromagnetically interact with the respective OIS drive magnets 112 to achieve OIS motion. In various embodiments, to achieve OIS motion, the OIS VCM actuator may be configured to rotate / tilt the lens group 102 together with the image sensor 104 around a plurality of axes orthogonal to the optical axis 106.

[0040] In some embodiments, the actuator may include a θ-Z corrected VCM actuator. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E and FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B As discussed in further detail, the θ-Z correction VCM actuator may have a flexural electromagnetic device. The θ-Z correction VCM actuator may be configured to rotate the lens group 102 together with the image sensor 104 about an axis parallel to the optical axis 106. According to various embodiments, the θ-Z correction actuator may include one or more θ-Z magnets 124 and one or more θ-Z coils 126. The θ-Z magnets 124 may be fixedly coupled to the AF module 108. For example, in some embodiments, the θ-Z magnets 124 may be attached to a corner portion of the module shield 110, such as Figure 1A The θ-Z coil 126 may be fixedly coupled to one or more stationary structures of the camera system 100 (eg, the spacer 116 ).

[0041] In various embodiments, the respective θ-Z coils 126 can be positioned proximate to the respective θ-Z magnets 124 such that when driven with an electric current, the respective θ-Z coils 126 can electromagnetically interact with the respective θ-Z magnets 124 to effect θ-Z motion (rotation about an axis parallel to the optical axis 106).

[0042] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2EIllustrated is a diagram of an example voice coil motor (VCM) actuator arrangement 200 with bending electromagnetics that may be included in a camera system (eg, camera system 100 in FIG. 1 ) in accordance with some embodiments. Figure 2A A perspective view of a VCM actuator arrangement 200 is shown. Figure 2B A perspective view of a VCM actuator arrangement including an optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator is shown.

[0043] Figure 2C A schematic side view of an example aspect of electromagnetic interaction between an OIS drive magnet and an OIS drive coil of an OIS VCM actuator is shown. Figure 2D A perspective view of a VCM actuator arrangement 200 including a θ-Z corrective VCM actuator is shown. Figure 2E Schematic side view showing example aspects of electromagnetic interaction between the θ-Z magnets and θ-Z coils of a θ-Z corrective VCM actuator.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the VCM actuator arrangement 200 may include an OIS VCM actuator and / or a θ-Z correction VCM actuator. The camera system may include a lens group 202, an image sensor (e.g., Figure 1A An image sensor 104; FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E 202 and θ-Z correction VCM actuators. The OIS VCM actuator may include one or more OIS drive magnets 204 and one or more OIS drive coils 206. The θ-Z correction VCM actuator may include one or more θ-Z magnets 208 and one or more θ-Z coils 210. According to various embodiments, the OIS VCM actuator and / or the θ-Z correction VCM actuator may be used to move the lens group 202 with the image sensor to achieve OIS and / or θ-Z correction.

[0045] In various embodiments, the respective OIS drive coils 206 can be positioned proximate to the respective OIS drive magnets 204 so that when driven with an electric current, the respective OIS drive coils 206 can electromagnetically interact with the respective OIS drive magnets 204 to achieve OIS motion. According to various embodiments, to achieve OIS motion, the OIS VCM actuator can be configured to rotate / tilt the lens group 202 together with the image sensor around a plurality of axes orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera system (e.g., the optical axis 106 in FIG. 1 ).

[0046] According to various embodiments, the OIS drive magnet 204 may include a first OIS drive magnet 204a, a second OIS drive magnet 204b, a third OIS drive magnet 204c, and / or a fourth OIS drive magnet 204d. The OIS drive coil 206 may include a first OIS drive coil 206a, a second OIS drive coil 206b, a third OIS drive coil 206c, and / or a fourth OIS drive coil 206d. In some embodiments, the OIS drive magnet 204 may be coupled to one or more movable components. For example, the movable component may include a module shield 212 (e.g., Figure 1A An auto focus (AF) module (e.g., Figure 1A AF module 108 in.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the first OIS drive magnet 204a may be attached to the module shield 212 at a first side of the module shield 212 (and / or a first side of the camera system). The second OIS drive magnet 204b may be attached to the module shield 212 at a second side of the module shield 212 (and / or a second side of the camera system). The third OIS drive magnet 204c may be attached to the module shield 212 at a third side of the module shield 212 opposite to the first side (and / or a third side of the camera system). The fourth OIS drive magnet 204d may be attached to the module shield 212 at a fourth side of the module shield 212 opposite to the second side (and / or a fourth side of the camera system).

[0048] In some embodiments, the OIS drive coil 206 can be coupled to one or more stationary components (not shown) of the camera system. For example, the stationary components can include spacers (e.g., Figure 1A The OIS drive coil 206a may be attached to the stationary component at a first side proximate to the first OIS drive magnet 204a. The second OIS drive coil 206b may be attached to the stationary component at a second side proximate to the second OIS drive magnet 204b. The third OIS drive coil 206c may be attached to the stationary component at a third side proximate to the third OIS drive magnet 204c. The fourth OIS drive coil 206d may be attached to the stationary component at a fourth side proximate to the fourth OIS drive magnet 204d.

[0049] As mentioned earlier, Figure 2C 2 shows example aspects of electromagnetic interaction between the OIS drive magnet 204 and the OIS drive coil 206. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the OIS drive magnet 204 may have a south magnetic pole positioned above a north magnetic pole, and the magnetization direction 214 may be such that the magnetic field exits the page from the north magnetic pole and enters the page toward the south magnetic pole, as shown in FIG. Figure 2C In addition, current (also referred to herein as "drive current") may flow through the OIS drive coil 206 in a clockwise direction in a drive coil current direction 216. Based on the magnetization direction 214 and the drive coil current direction 216, the electromagnetic interaction between the OIS drive magnet 204 and the OIS drive coil 206 may generate a Lorentz force vector 218 having an upward direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 2C To generate a Lorentz force vector in the opposite direction (eg, downward direction), current may be supplied to the OIS drive coil 206 in the opposite direction (eg, counterclockwise).

[0050] like Figure 2A As indicated, such electromagnetic interactions between corresponding OIS drive magnets 204 and OIS drive coils 206 pairs can generate Lorentz forces that can tilt lens group 202 together with the image sensor around multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis. For example, one or more drive currents can be used to drive first OIS drive coil 206a and / or third OIS drive coil 206c to tilt lens group 202 together with the image sensor around a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2D The axis T indicated in x ) is tilted. In some embodiments, about the axis T x The tilt direction may be based at least in part on the drive current supplied to the first OIS drive coil 206a and / or the third OIS drive coil 206c, the winding direction of those OIS drive coils, and / or the magnetic pole orientation of the first OIS drive magnet 204a and / or the third OIS drive magnet 204c.

[0051] According to various embodiments, one or more driving currents may be used to drive the second OIS driving coil 206b and / or the fourth OIS driving coil 206d to rotate the lens group 202 together with the image sensor along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and parallel to the first axis (axis T). x ) is orthogonal to a second axis (e.g., Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2D The axis T indicated in y ) is tilted. In some embodiments, about the axis T y The tilt direction may be based at least in part on the drive current supplied to the second OIS drive coil 206 b and / or the fourth OIS drive coil 206 d, the winding direction of those OIS drive coils, and / or the magnetic pole orientation of the second OIS drive magnet 204 b and / or the fourth OIS drive magnet 204 d.

[0052] In various embodiments, the corresponding θ-Z coil 210 can be positioned proximate to the corresponding θ-Z magnet 208 so that when driven with an electric current, the corresponding θ-Z coil 210 can electromagnetically interact with the corresponding θ-Z magnet 208 to achieve θ-Z motion. According to various embodiments, to achieve θ-Z motion, the θ-Z correction VCM actuator can be configured to rotate the lens group 202 together with the image sensor about an axis parallel to the optical axis.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the θ-Z magnet 208 may include a first θ-Z magnet 208a, a second θ-Z magnet 208b, a third θ-Z magnet 208c, and / or a fourth θ-Z magnet 208d. The θ-Z coil 210 may include a first θ-Z coil 210a, a second θ-Z coil 210b, a third θ-Z coil 210c, and / or a fourth θ-Z coil 210d. In some embodiments, the θ-Z magnet may be coupled to one or more movable components, such as an AF module having a module shield 212.

[0054] According to some embodiments, a first θ-Z magnet 208a may be attached to the module shield 212 at a first corner portion of the module shield 212 (and / or a first corner portion of the camera system). A second θ-Z magnet 208b may be attached to the module shield 212 at a second corner portion of the module shield 212 (and / or a second corner portion of the camera system). A third θ-Z magnet 208c may be attached to the module shield 212 at a third corner portion of the module shield 212 (and / or a third corner portion of the camera system) opposite (e.g., diagonally) to the first corner portion. A fourth θ-Z magnet 208d may be attached to the module shield 212 at a fourth corner portion of the module shield 212 (and / or a fourth corner portion of the camera system) opposite (e.g., diagonally) to the second corner portion.

[0055] In some embodiments, the θ-Z coils 210 may be coupled to one or more stationary components (not shown) such as the previously mentioned spacers / coil holders. According to some embodiments, the first θ-Z coil 210a may be attached to the stationary component at a first corner portion proximate to the first θ-Z magnet 208a. The second θ-Z coil 210b may be attached to the stationary component at a second corner portion proximate to the second θ-Z magnet 208b. The third θ-Z coil 210c may be attached to the stationary component at a third corner portion proximate to the third θ-Z magnet 208c. The fourth θ-Z coil 210d may be attached to the stationary component at a fourth corner portion proximate to the fourth θ-Z magnet 208d.

[0056] As mentioned earlier, Figure 2E2 shows example aspects of electromagnetic interaction between the θ-Z magnet 208 and the θ-Z coil 210. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the θ-Z magnet 208 may have a north pole positioned to the left of a south pole, and the magnetization direction 220 may be such that the magnetic field exits the page from the north pole and enters the page toward the south pole, as shown in FIG. Figure 2E In addition, the drive current may flow through the θ-Z coil 210 in a clockwise direction in the drive coil current direction 222. Based on the magnetization direction 220 and the drive coil current direction 222, the electromagnetic interaction between the θ-Z magnet 208 and the θ-Z coil 210 may generate a magnetic field having a first direction (e.g., to the right, as shown in FIG. 2 ). Figure 2E To generate a Lorentz force vector 224 in the opposite direction (eg, a second leftward direction), current may be supplied to the θ-Z coil 210 in the opposite direction (eg, counterclockwise).

[0057] like Figure 2A As indicated, such electromagnetic interactions between corresponding pairs of θ-Z magnets 208 and θ-Z coils 210 can generate a Lorentz force that can cause lens group 202, along with the image sensor, to rotate about an axis parallel to the optical axis. For example, one or more drive currents can be used to drive one or more of θ-Z coils 210 to cause lens group 202, along with the image sensor, to rotate in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise, as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 2D indicated) around the axis T z Similarly, one or more drive currents may be used to drive one or more θ-Z coils in θ-Z coils 210 to rotate lens group 202 together with the image sensor in a second direction (eg, clockwise) opposite to the first direction around axis T z In some embodiments, the rotation of z The direction of rotation of θ-Z magnet 208 may be based at least in part on a drive current supplied to θ-Z coil 210 , a winding direction of θ-Z coil 210 , and / or a magnetic pole orientation of θ-Z magnet 208 .

[0058] Figure 3An example graph 300 according to some embodiments is illustrated and indicates an example difference in Lorentz travel versus travel between a bending electromagnetic device and a non-bending electromagnetic device. In the graph 300, the X-axis represents the amount of travel (in degrees), and the Y-axis represents the amount of Lorentz force (in millinewtons (mN)). The amount of travel in the graph 300 may be associated with the amount of rotation of a voice coil motor (VCM) electromagnetic component relative to another VCM electromagnetic component. For example, in some embodiments, the amount of rotation may involve the rotation of a magnet relative to a corresponding coil. Additionally or alternatively, the amount of rotation may involve the rotation of a coil relative to a corresponding magnet. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the VCM electromagnetic component may be part of an OIS VCM actuator and / or a θ-Z correction VCM actuator (such as those described in the present disclosure). In addition, the amount of Lorentz force in the graph 300 may be associated with the amount of Lorentz force generated by the VCM electromagnetic component across various travel positions.

[0059] In graph 300, three example curves are plotted for comparison and illustration purposes, namely, a first curve 302, a second curve 304, and a third curve 306. The first curve 302 represents an example of the Lorentz force generated across various travel positions using an ideal bending electromagnetic device. The second curve 304 represents an example of the Lorentz force generated across various travel positions using an example bending electromagnetic device 308, for example, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 . The bending electromagnetic device 308 may include a bending magnet 310 (e.g., a movable magnet) and a corresponding bending coil 312 (e.g., a fixed coil that is stationary relative to the tilt / rotation of the magnet). The third curve 306 represents an example of the Lorentz force generated across various travel positions with an example non-bending electromagnetic device 314, for example, as shown in Figure 3 The non-bending electromagnetic device 314 may include a non-bending magnet 316 (eg, a movable magnet) and a corresponding non-bending coil 318 (eg, a fixed coil that is stationary relative to the tilt / rotation of the magnet).

[0060] With respect to the curved electromagnetic device 308, each of the curved magnet 310 and the curved coil 312 may have a corresponding curved surface. The curved surface of the curved magnet 310 may face the curved surface of the curved coil 312. According to various non-limiting embodiments, one of the curved surfaces may be convex (e.g., like the curved surface of the curved magnet 310 in the illustrated example), and the other of the curved surfaces may be concave (e.g., like the curved surface of the curved coil 312 in the illustrated example). Unlike the curved electromagnetic device 308, in the non-curved electromagnetic device 314, the non-curved magnet 316 and the non-curved coil 318 may have corresponding non-curved surfaces facing each other.

[0061] As indicated in the graph 300, the first curve 302 illustrates an ideal curved electromagnetic device with a constant Lorentz force output over the range of travel. The second curve 304 illustrates an example of how the Lorentz force output can be increased at the end of the range of travel using the curved electromagnetic device 308 relative to the Lorentz force output over the range of travel using the non-curved electromagnetic device 314 (illustrated in the third curve 306). In the graph 300, the vertical distance 320 is used to indicate an example of the increase in Lorentz force output over the range of travel using the curved electromagnetic device 308 (e.g., relative to the use of the non-curved electromagnetic device 314).

[0062] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B Illustrated are graphs indicating example differences between non-bent electromagnetic devices and bent electromagnetic devices with respect to consistency of distance across a range of travel, according to some embodiments. Figure 4A A schematic side cross-sectional view of an example non-bent electromagnetic device 400a is shown. Figure 4B A schematic side cross-sectional view of an example curved electromagnetic device 400b is shown.

[0063] like Figure 4A As indicated, in some other camera designs having a non-bent electromagnetic device 400a for tilting / rotating (e.g., compared to the camera system described herein having a bent electromagnetic device), the tilting motion of one electromagnetic component relative to another electromagnetic component can cause the gap distance to vary across the range of travel. The non-bent electromagnetic device 400a can include a non-bent magnet 402a and a non-bent coil 404a. In a non-limiting example, the non-bent magnet 402a can be coupled to one or more movable components (e.g., such as Figure 4A ), and the non-bending coil 404a can be "fixed" in the sense that its tilt / rotation relative to the non-bending magnet 402a can remain stationary. It should be understood that in various other embodiments, the coil can be movable and the magnet can be fixed.

[0064] exist Figure 4A In the non-limiting example shown, electromagnetic interactions between the non-bent electromagnetic devices 400a may cause the non-bent magnet 402a to tilt relative to the non-bent coil 404a (e.g., tilted by a θ degree compensation angle 406a), thereby creating a non-constant magnet-coil gap, as indicated by the difference between the gap distance 408a and the gap distance 410a.

[0065] like Figure 4B As indicated, in various embodiments of a camera system having a curved electromagnetic device 400b for tilt / rotation (e.g., compared to other camera designs having non-curved electromagnetic devices, as described herein at least with reference to Figure 4A), the tilting movement of one electromagnetic component relative to the other electromagnetic component can enable the gap distance to be maintained constant across the range of travel. The bending electromagnetic device 400b may include a bending magnet 402b and a bending coil 404b. In a non-limiting example, the bending magnet 402b may be coupled to one or more movable components (e.g., Figure 4B 404b can be "fixed" in the sense that the bending coil 404b can remain stationary relative to the tilt / rotation of the bending magnet 402b. It should be understood that in various other embodiments, the coil can be movable and the magnet can be fixed.

[0066] exist Figure 4B In the non-limiting example shown, electromagnetic interaction between the bending electromagnetic device 400b can cause the bending magnet 402b to be tilted relative to the bending coil 404b (e.g., tilted by the θ degree compensation angle 406b), thereby producing a constant magnet-coil gap, as indicated by the similarity between the gap distance 408b and the gap distance 410b.

[0067] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Illustrated is a diagram of a set of example bending electromagnetic devices 500 that may be included in a camera system according to some embodiments. Figure 5A A side view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices 500 is shown. Figure 5B A side cross-sectional view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices 500 is shown. Figure 5C A perspective view of a bending magnet of the set of bending electromagnetic devices 500 is shown. In various embodiments, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 500 can be used in an optical image stabilization (OIS) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator such as the one described herein. Figures 1A to 4B Additionally or alternatively, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 500 or one or more aspects of the set of bending electromagnetic devices 500 may be used in a θ-Z corrected VCM actuator such as those described herein with reference to Figures 1A to 4B Those θ-Z corrected VCM actuators described.

[0068] According to various embodiments, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 500 may include a concave magnet 502 and a convex coil 504. Figure 5A As shown, the female magnet 502 may include a curved side (eg, female magnet side 506 ). The male coil 504 may include a curved side (eg, male coil side 508 ) that is proximate to the curved side of the female magnet 502 .

[0069] The curved side of the concave magnet 502 and the curved side of the convex coil 504 may face each other, as shown in FIG. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5BFor example, the concave magnet side 506 can face the convex coil side 508. In addition, the curved side of the concave magnet 502 can substantially follow the curvature of the curved side of the convex coil 504. For example, the concave magnet side 506 can substantially follow the curvature of the convex coil side 508.

[0070] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C Illustrated is another set of views of example bending electromagnetic devices 600 that may be included in a camera system according to some embodiments. Fig. 6A A side view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices 600 is shown. Figure 6B A side cross-sectional view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices 600 is shown. Figure 6C A perspective view of a bending magnet of the set of bending electromagnetic devices 600 is shown. In various embodiments, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 600 can be used in an optical image stabilization (OIS) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator such as the one described herein. Figures 1A to 4B Additionally or alternatively, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 600 or one or more aspects of the set of bending electromagnetic devices 600 may be used in a θ-Z corrected VCM actuator such as those described herein with reference to Figures 1A to 4B Those θ-Z corrected VCM actuators described.

[0071] According to various embodiments, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 600 may include a convex magnet 602 and a concave coil 604. Fig. 6A As indicated, male magnet 602 may include a curved side (eg, male magnet side 606 ). Female coil 604 may include a curved side (eg, female coil side 608 ) that is proximate to the curved side of male magnet 602 .

[0072] The curved side of the male magnet 602 and the curved side of the female coil 604 may face each other, as shown in FIG. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B For example, the male magnet side 606 can face the female coil side 608. In addition, the curved side of the male magnet 602 can substantially follow the curvature of the curved side of the female coil 604. For example, the male magnet side 606 can substantially follow the curvature of the female coil side 608.

[0073] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C Illustrated are views of yet another set of example bending electromagnetic devices 700 that may be included in a camera system according to some embodiments. Fig. 7A A side view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices 700 is shown. Figure 7B A side cross-sectional view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices 700 is shown. Figure 7C A perspective view of the bent / stacked coils of the set of bent electromagnetic devices 700 is shown. In various embodiments, the set of bent electromagnetic devices 700 may be used in an optical image stabilization (OIS) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator such as the one described herein. Figures 1A to 4BAdditionally or alternatively, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 700 or one or more aspects of the set of bending electromagnetic devices 700 may be used in a θ-Z corrected VCM actuator such as those described herein. Figures 1A to 4B Those θ-Z corrected VCM actuators described.

[0074] According to various embodiments, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 700 may include a concave magnet 702 and a convex stacked coil 704. Fig. 7A As shown, the female magnet 702 may include a curved side (eg, female magnet side 706 ). The male stacked coils 504 may include a curved side (eg, male stacked coil side 708 ) that is proximate to the curved side of the female magnet 702 .

[0075] The curved side of the concave magnet 702 and the curved side of the convex stacked coil 704 may face each other, as shown in FIG. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B For example, the female magnet side 706 can face the male stacked coil side 708. In addition, the curved side of the female magnet 702 can substantially follow the curvature of the curved side of the male stacked coil 704. For example, the female magnet side 706 can substantially follow the curvature of the male stacked coil side 708.

[0076] If at least Figure 7B As indicated, the convex stacked coil 704 may be formed from strands 710 stacked to follow the curvature of the concave magnet 702. As a non-limiting example, FIG. 7B to FIG. 7C As indicated, the first group 712a of strands 710 may be stacked on the second group 712b of strands 710. The first group 712a and the second group 712b may form two layers of the convex stacked coil 704, and may include additional layers, as shown in the illustrated non-limiting example. Different layers in the stack may be formed using different numbers of strands 710, for example, to form a curvature of the convex stacked coil side 708 that substantially follows the curvature of the concave magnet side 706.

[0077] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D Illustrated are views of another set of example bending electromagnetic devices 800 that may be included in a camera system according to some embodiments. Fig. 8A A side view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices 800 is shown. Figure 8B A side cross-sectional view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices 800 is shown. Figure 8C A perspective view of the bent / stacked coils of the set of bent electromagnetic devices 800 is shown. Fig.8D A top view of the set of bending electromagnetic devices 800 is shown. In various embodiments, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 800 can be used in an optical image stabilization (OIS) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator such as the one described herein. Figures 1A to 4BAdditionally or alternatively, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 800 or one or more aspects of the set of bending electromagnetic devices 800 may be used in a θ-Z corrected VCM actuator such as those described herein. Figures 1A to 4B Those θ-Z corrected VCM actuators described.

[0078] According to various embodiments, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 800 may include a convex magnet 802 and a concave stacked coil 804. Fig. 8A As indicated, male magnet 802 may include a curved side (eg, male magnet side 806 ). Female stacked coil 804 may include a curved side (eg, female stacked coil side 808 ) that is proximate to the curved side of male magnet 802 .

[0079] The curved side of the convex magnet 802 and the curved side of the concave stacked coil 804 may face each other, as shown in FIG. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B 808. In addition, the curved side of the convex magnet 802 can substantially follow the curvature of the curved side of the concave stacked coil 804. For example, the convex magnet side 806 can substantially follow the curvature of the concave stacked coil side 808. In various embodiments, the concave stacked coil 804 can be formed of strands that are stacked to follow the curvature of the convex magnet 802, for example, as similarly referenced FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C The convex stacked coil 702 is discussed in detail.

[0080] 9A to 9C Illustrated are views of yet another set of example bending electromagnetic devices 900 that may be included in a camera system according to some embodiments. Fig. 9A A side view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices 900 is shown. Fig. 9B A side cross-sectional view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices 900 is shown. Fig. 9C A perspective view of a bending magnet stack of the set of bending electromagnetic devices 900 is shown. In various embodiments, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 900 may be used in an optical image stabilization (OIS) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator such as the one described herein. Figures 1A to 4B Additionally or alternatively, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 900 or one or more aspects of the set of bending electromagnetic devices 900 may be used in a θ-Z corrected VCM actuator such as those described herein. Figures 1A to 4B Those θ-Z corrected VCM actuators described.

[0081] According to various embodiments, the set of curved electromagnetic devices 900 may include a concave magnet stack 902 and a convex coil 904. Fig. 9AAs indicated, the concave magnet stack 902 may include a plurality of magnets arranged and oriented in a stacked manner so as to form a curved side 906 (or otherwise form a side substantially the same as or similar to a curved side). For example, in some non-limiting embodiments, the curved side 906 may be formed by a first side 906a of a first magnet, a second side 906b of a second magnet, and a third side 906c of a third magnet, as shown in FIG. 9A to 9C The second magnet (and the second side 906b) may be located in a position parallel to the optical axis of the camera system (eg, Figure 1A The optical axis 106 in FIG. 1 is positioned between the first magnet (and the first side 906 a ) and the third magnet (and the third side 906 c ) in a direction parallel to the optical axis 106 in FIG.

[0082] In various embodiments, each of the first magnet and the third magnet can be positioned at a respective non-zero angle relative to the second magnet. According to some embodiments, the second magnet can be a dipole magnet, and the first magnet and the second magnet can be monopole magnets. 9A to 9C , the shaded and non-shaded areas of the magnets may represent different magnetic polarities (e.g., north versus south). In various embodiments, the magnets in the stack may be arranged so that the dual polarization of the second magnet may align the interpolar region (e.g., the region between the magnetic pole at the first side 906a and the opposite magnetic pole at the third side 906c) with the center of the convex coil 904.

[0083] According to various embodiments, the convex coil 904 may include a curved side (e.g., convex coil side 908) that is proximate to the curved side 906 of the concave magnet stack 902. The curved side of the concave magnet stack 902 and the curved side of the convex coil 904 may face each other, such as FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B For example, the concave magnet stack side 906 can face the convex coil side 908. In addition, the curved side of the concave magnet stack 902 can substantially follow the curvature of the curved side of the convex coil 904. For example, the concave magnet stack side 906 can substantially follow the curvature of the convex coil side 908.

[0084] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B Illustrated are views of yet another set of example curved electromagnetic devices 1000 that may be included in a camera system according to some embodiments. Fig. 10A A top view of the set of curved electromagnetic devices 1000 as used in a camera system for θ-Z correction / compensation is shown. Fig. 10B A perspective view of the set of bending electromagnetic devices 1000 is shown. In various embodiments, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 1000 can be used in a θ-Z voice coil motor (VCM) actuator such as the one described herein. Figures 1A to 4BAdditionally or alternatively, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 1000 or one or more aspects of the set of bending electromagnetic devices 1000 may be used in an optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator such as those described herein. Figures 1A to 4B Those optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuators described.

[0085] In various embodiments, the set of bending electromagnetic devices 1000 may include a convex magnet 1002 and a concave coil 1004. Fig. 10A As indicated, male magnet 1002 may include a curved side (eg, male magnet side 1006 ). Female coil 1004 may include a curved side (eg, female coil side 1008 ) that is proximate to the curved side of male magnet 1002 .

[0086] The curved side of the convex magnet 1002 and the curved side of the concave coil 1004 may face each other, as shown in FIG. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B For example, male magnet side 1006 can face female coil side 1008. In addition, the curved side of male magnet 1002 can substantially follow the curvature of the curved side of female coil 1004. For example, male magnet side 1006 can substantially follow the curvature of female coil side 1008.

[0087] like Fig. 10A As indicated, the camera system may include a movable component 1010 (e.g., an autofocus (AF) module shield) and a lens group 1012 fixedly coupled to the movable component 1010. In various embodiments, the camera system may include multiple sets of bending electromagnetic devices 1000. Fig. 10A In the non-limiting example shown, the camera system includes four sets of curved electromagnetic devices 1000, where each set of electromagnetic devices 1000 is located at a corresponding corner of the movable component 1010 (and / or a corresponding corner of the camera system). In some embodiments, the convex magnet 1002 can be attached to the movable component 1010, and the concave coil 1004 can be attached to one or more stationary components ( Fig. 10A not shown).

[0088] Fig.11 A schematic representation of an example environment is illustrated that includes a device 1100 that may include one or more cameras. For example, the device 1100 may include a camera system having a bending electromagnetic device, such as described herein with reference to Figures 1A to 10BIn some embodiments, device 1100 may be a mobile device and / or a multi-function device. In various embodiments, device 1100 may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an all-in-one computer, a tablet or netbook computer, a mainframe computer system, a handheld computer, a workstation, a network computer, a camera, a set-top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and / or virtual reality (VR) headset, a consumer device, a video game controller, a handheld video game device, an application server, a storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device (such as a switch, a modem, a router), or generally any type of computing or electronic device.

[0089] In some embodiments, device 1100 may include a display system 1102 (e.g., including a display and / or a touch-sensitive surface) and / or one or more cameras 1104. In some non-limiting embodiments, display system 1102 and / or one or more forward-facing cameras 1104a may be disposed at the front side of device 1100, e.g., Fig.11 Additionally or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras 1104b may be disposed at the rear side of device 1100. In some embodiments including multiple cameras 1104, some or all of cameras 1104 may be identical or similar to one another. Additionally or alternatively, some or all of cameras 1104 may be different from one another. In various embodiments, the location and / or arrangement of cameras 1104 may differ from one another. Fig.11 Those indicated.

[0090] Among other things, device 1100 may include memory 1106 (e.g., including operating system 1108 and / or application / program instructions 1110), one or more processors and / or controllers 1112 (e.g., including a CPU, memory controller, display controller, and / or camera controller, etc.), and / or one or more sensors 1114 (e.g., orientation sensor, proximity sensor, and / or position sensor, etc.). In some embodiments, device 1100 may communicate with one or more other devices and / or services (such as computing device 1116, cloud service 1118, etc.) via one or more networks 1120. For example, device 1100 may include a network interface (e.g., Fig.12 120) that enables the device 1100 to send data to and receive data from the network 1120. Additionally or alternatively, the device 1100 may be capable of communicating with other devices via wireless communications using any of a variety of communication standards, protocols, and / or technologies.

[0091] Fig.12A schematic block diagram of an example environment is illustrated, which includes a computer system 1200 that may include a camera system having a bending electromagnetic device, such as described herein with reference to Figures 1A to 11 In addition, the computer system 1200 may implement methods for controlling the operation of a camera and / or for performing image processing on images captured by the camera. Fig.11 The device 1100 described herein may additionally or alternatively include some or all of the functional components described herein.

[0092] The computer system 1200 may be configured to perform any or all of the embodiments described above. In various embodiments, the computer system 1200 may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an all-in-one computer, a tablet or netbook computer, a mainframe computer system, a handheld computer, a workstation, a network computer, a camera, a set-top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and / or virtual reality (VR) headset, a consumer device, a video game controller, a handheld video game device, an application server, a storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device (such as a switch, a modem, a router), or generally any type of computing or electronic device.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, computer system 1200 includes one or more processors 1202 coupled to system memory 1204 via input / output (I / O) interface 1206. Computer system 1200 also includes one or more cameras 1208 coupled to I / O interface 1206. Computer system 1200 also includes a network interface 1210 coupled to I / O interface 1206, and one or more input / output devices 1212 such as cursor control device 1214, keyboard 1216, and display 1218. In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system 1200, while in other embodiments, multiple such systems or multiple nodes making up computer system 1200 may be configured to host different portions or instances of embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, some elements may be implemented by one or more nodes of computer system 1200 that are different from those nodes that implement other elements.

[0094] In various embodiments, computer system 1200 may be a uniprocessor system including one processor 1202, or a multiprocessor system including a number of processors 1202 (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processor 1202 may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments, processor 1202 may be a general-purpose or embedded processor that implements any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs), such as x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitable ISAs. In a multiprocessor system, each of processors 1202 may typically, but need not necessarily, implement the same ISA.

[0095] The system memory 1204 may be configured to store program instructions 1220 that are accessible to the processor 1202. In various embodiments, the system memory 1204 may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), non-volatile / flash type memory, or any other type of memory. Additionally, the existing camera control data 1222 of the memory 1204 may include any of the above-described information or data structures. In some embodiments, the program instructions 1220 and / or data 1222 may be received, transmitted, or stored on different types of computer-accessible media or similar media separate from the system memory 1204 or the computer system 1200. In various embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system 1200.

[0096] In one embodiment, I / O interface 1206 may be configured to coordinate I / O communications between processor 1202, system memory 1204, and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface 1210 or other peripheral device interfaces, such as input / output devices 1212. In some embodiments, I / O interface 1206 may perform any necessary protocol, timing, or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory 1204) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor 1202). In some embodiments, I / O interface 1206 may include support for devices attached, for example, via various types of peripheral buses, such as a variation of the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard. In some embodiments, the functionality of I / O interface 1206 may be divided into two or more separate components, such as a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. Moreover, in some embodiments, some or all of the functionality of I / O interface 1206 (such as an interface to system memory 1204 ) may be incorporated directly into processor 1202 .

[0097] The network interface 1210 may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between the computer system 1200 and other devices (e.g., carriers or proxy devices) attached to the network 1224 or between nodes of the computer system 1200. In various embodiments, the network 1224 may include one or more networks, including, but not limited to, a local area network (LAN) (e.g., an Ethernet or an enterprise network), a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), a wireless data network, some other electronic data network, or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, the network interface 1210 may support, for example, communication via a wired or wireless general data network (such as any suitable type of Ethernet network); communication via a telecommunications / telephone network (such as an analog voice network or a digital fiber optic communication network); communication via a storage area network (such as a Fiber Channel SAN), or communication via any other suitable type of network and / or protocol.

[0098] In some embodiments, input / output devices 1212 may include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touch pads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other device suitable for inputting or accessing data by one or more computer systems 1200. Multiple input / output devices 1212 may be present in computer system 1200, or may be distributed across various nodes of computer system 1200. In some embodiments, similar input / output devices may be separate from computer system 1200 and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system 1200 through a wired or wireless connection (such as through network interface 1210).

[0099] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that computer system 1200 is merely illustrative, and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments. Specifically, computer systems and devices may include any combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicated functions, including computers, network devices, Internet devices, PDAs, wireless phones, pagers, etc. Computer system 800 may also be connected to other devices not shown, or may otherwise be operated as an independent system. In addition, the functions provided by the components shown may be combined in fewer components or distributed in additional components in some embodiments. Similarly, in some embodiments, the functions of some components in the components shown may not be provided, and / or other additional functions may be available.

[0100] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, although various items are shown as being stored in memory or on storage devices during use, for the purpose of memory management and data integrity, these items or parts thereof may be transmitted between memory and other storage devices. Alternatively, in other embodiments, some or all of these software components may be executed in a memory on another device, and communicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computer communication. Some or all of the system components or data structures may also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on a computer accessible medium or portable article to be read by a suitable driver, and various examples thereof are described above. In some embodiments, instructions stored on a computer accessible medium separated from the computer system 800 may be transmitted to the computer system 800 via a transmission medium or signal (such as an electrical signal, an electromagnetic signal, or a digital signal transmitted via a communication medium such as a network and / or a wireless link). Various embodiments may also include receiving, transmitting, or storing instructions and / or data implemented according to the foregoing description on a computer accessible medium. Generally speaking, computer-accessible media may include non-transitory computer-readable storage media or memory media, such as magnetic or optical media, for example, disks or DVD / CD-ROMs, volatile or non-volatile media, such as RAM (e.g., SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, computer-accessible media may include transmission media or signals, such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals transmitted via a communication medium such as a network and / or a wireless link.

[0101] In different embodiments, the methods described herein can be implemented in software, hardware or a combination thereof. In addition, the order of the frames of the method can be changed, and various elements can be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. For those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure, various modifications and changes can obviously be made. The various embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible. Therefore, multiple examples can be provided for the components described as a single example in this article. The boundaries between various components, operations and data repositories are arbitrary to a certain extent, and specific operations are shown in the context of a specific exemplary configuration. Other allocations of functions are expected, and they may fall within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, the structure and function presented as discrete components in the exemplary configuration may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions and improvements may fall within the scope of the embodiments defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A camera, comprising: Lens group; Image sensor; as well as one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators for rotating at least one of the lens group or the image sensor, wherein the one or more VCM actuators include: A magnet-coil assembly having a bending electromagnetic device, wherein the magnet-coil assembly comprises: one or more magnets, the one or more magnets forming a first curvature of the curved electromagnetic device; and one or more coils, the one or more coils forming a second curvature of the curved electromagnetic device, wherein the one or more coils are positioned proximate to the one or more magnets so that when driven with an electric current, the one or more coils can electromagnetically interact with the one or more magnets to generate a Lorentz force, the Lorentz force causing the at least one of the lens group or the image sensor to rotate; wherein one of the first curvature and the second curvature is convex, and the other of the first curvature and the second curvature is concave.

2. The camera of claim 1, wherein: the one or more magnets comprising a concave side having the first curvature; The one or more coils include a convex side having the second curvature; and The concave side faces the convex side.

3. The camera of claim 1, wherein: the one or more magnets comprising a convex side having the first curvature; The one or more coils include a concave side having the second curvature; and The convex side faces the concave side.

4. The camera of claim 1, wherein: The first curvature defines a first arc, and The second curvature defines a second arc that is concentric with the first arc.

5. The camera of claim 1, wherein: The one or more magnets include a dipole magnet having a first curved side, the first curved side having the first curvature; The one or more coils include a coil having a second curved side, the second curved side having the second curvature; and The first curved side faces the second curved side.

6. The camera of claim 1, wherein: The one or more magnets include a plurality of magnets arranged in a curved magnet stack; The curved magnet stack has a first curved side having the first curvature; The one or more coils include a coil having a second curved side, the second curved side having the second curvature; and The first curved side faces the second curved side.

7. The camera of claim 6, wherein the plurality of magnets comprises: a first monopole magnet; a second monopole magnet; as well as A dipole magnet is positioned between the first monopole magnet and the second monopole magnet in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the camera.

8. The camera of claim 1, wherein the one or more coils include stacked coils having strands stacked to form the second curvature.

9. The camera of claim 1, wherein the one or more VCM actuators are configured to rotate the lens group along with the image sensor about a plurality of axes orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera.

10. The camera of claim 1, wherein the one or more VCM actuators are configured to rotate the lens group along with the image sensor about an axis parallel to an optical axis of the camera.

11. A device comprising: one or more processors; a memory storing program instructions executable by the one or more processors to control operation of the camera; as well as The camera comprises: Lens group; Image sensor; and one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators for rotating at least one of the lens group or the image sensor, wherein the one or more VCM actuators include: A magnet-coil assembly having a bending electromagnetic device, wherein the magnet-coil assembly comprises: one or more magnets, the one or more magnets forming a first curvature of the curved electromagnetic device; and one or more coils, the one or more coils forming a second curvature of the curved electromagnetic device, wherein the one or more coils are positioned proximate to the one or more magnets so that when driven with an electric current, the one or more coils can electromagnetically interact with the one or more magnets to generate a Lorentz force, the Lorentz force causing the at least one of the lens group or the image sensor to rotate; wherein one of the first curvature and the second curvature is convex, and the other of the first curvature and the second curvature is concave.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more VCM actuators include at least one of: an optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator configured to rotate the lens group together with the image sensor about a plurality of axes orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera; or A θ-Z correction VCM actuator is configured to rotate the lens group together with the image sensor around an axis parallel to the optical axis.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: the one or more VCM actuators including the OIS VCM actuator; The magnet-coil assembly is a first magnet-coil assembly of the OIS VCM actuator and is located at a first side of the camera; and The OIS VCM actuator further comprises: a second magnet-coil assembly located at a second side of the camera; a third magnet-coil assembly located at a third side of the camera opposite the first side; and a fourth magnet-coil assembly located at a fourth side of the camera opposite the second side; Each of the second magnet-coil assembly, the third magnet-coil assembly and the fourth magnet-coil assembly has a bending electromagnetic device.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: The one or more VCM actuators include the θ-Z correction VCM actuator; The magnet-coil assembly is a first magnet-coil assembly of the θ-Z correction VCM actuator and is located at a first corner portion of the camera; The θ-Z correction VCM actuator further includes: a second magnet-coil assembly located at a second corner portion of the camera; a third magnet-coil assembly located at a third corner portion of the camera that is diagonally opposite the first corner portion; and a fourth magnet-coil assembly located at a fourth corner portion of the camera diagonally opposite the second corner portion; Each of the second magnet-coil assembly, the third magnet-coil assembly and the fourth magnet-coil assembly has a bending electromagnetic device.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: The one or more magnets are coupled to a movable component of the camera; and The one or more coils are coupled to a stationary component of the camera.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: The one or more magnets are coupled to a stationary component of the camera; and The one or more coils are coupled to a movable component of the camera.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: The first curvature defines a first arc, and The second curvature defines a second arc that is concentric with the first arc.

18. A system, comprising: One or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators for rotating at least one of a lens group or an image sensor of a camera, wherein the one or more VCM actuators include: A magnet-coil assembly having a bending electromagnetic device, wherein the magnet-coil assembly comprises: one or more magnets, the one or more magnets forming a first curvature of the curved electromagnetic device; and one or more coils, the one or more coils forming a second curvature of the curved electromagnetic device, wherein the one or more coils are positioned proximate to the one or more magnets so that when driven with an electric current, the one or more coils can electromagnetically interact with the one or more magnets to generate a Lorentz force, the Lorentz force causing the at least one of the lens group or the image sensor to rotate; wherein one of the first curvature and the second curvature is convex, and the other of the first curvature and the second curvature is concave.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein: the one or more magnets comprising a concave side having the first curvature; The one or more coils include a convex side having the second curvature; and The concave side faces the convex side.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein: the one or more magnets comprising a convex side having the first curvature; The one or more coils include a concave side having the second curvature; and The convex side faces the concave side.

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